Tag: Valiant

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Not only is it the first film to have a female superhero in the starring role, it’s now gone on to break the box office record for a film directed by a woman. The film also single-handedly restored viewers’ faith in the DC Cinematic Universe.

More than that, it’s given women both young and old someone to look up to. Wonder Woman is now the cultural icon she was always meant to be. She’s more than just a hero: She is female empowerment personified and a role model.

If you’ve left the theater wanting more action, adventure, and excitement from female superheroes, you’re not alone! However, we know that navigating the world of comics is tricky business.

That’s why at TFAW we’ve come up with 10 wondrous comics and graphic novels that both star female superheroes and act as great jumping-on points for new readers.

Did you find a new favorite book or want to recommend something we missed? Hit us up on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below!

This week’s New Comic Book Day Reviews brings us a quartet of books that we feel comic reader should check out. From Dark Horse we’ve got Black Hammer #9, Valiant brings us their next big story arc with Rapture #1, we take a trip with Peter Quill in Marvel’s Star-Lord Annual #1 and DC brings us home with Detective Comics #957.

As a reminder these are only a few of the awesome comics that came out this week. Check out our other blog articles so see our thoughts on other books. Be sure to comment or share our post on Facebook or Twitter if you like our articles!

SPOILER ALERT — We try to keep from posting spoilers, but one may sneak through to our reviews now and again. Read with caution, true believers.

Black Hammer has to be one of the most exciting “Golden Age” superhero tales in a long time. As it slowly unraveling why everyone is stuck at Black Hammer Farms. Black Hammer #9 delves into how Talky-Walky and Colonel Weird met.

Distress signals in space never seem to be a good thing, unless it’s meeting your best friend. It’s hard to say that this issue of Black Hammer was a fun read. However, that’s mainly due to what’s been happening throughout the series. It was great to see how Talky-Walky and Colonel Weird met.

Jeff Lemire knows how to craft a solid story and this entry clearly shows his fondness to the golden age of comic adventures.[Martin M. at TFAW.com]

That was a fun ride. I always enjoy annuals for the small break it typically gives us from the norm. Chip Zdarsky’s Star-Lord Annual #1 is no exception.

In classic Western fashion, our hero finds himself in a small town run by bullies. And we all know Star-Lord isn’t a huge fan of bullies. So what does he do? Joins the Sheriff to take him and his gang down. There’s more to it than that, but I don’t want to spoil it. Star-Lord Annual #1 is a fun ride. While I wouldn’t mind more Space-Westerns with Marvel Characters. The story here ends well and fits into where we are in the comics right now. No, this isn’t any weird Secret Empire tie-in or anything like that. I will say that it does, tie into events that have transpired and this issue did leave me with a sad, but hopeful feeling. Much like great westerns do. [Martin M. at TFAW.com]

If you’re like me and haven’t read a lot of the new Valiant books, a crossover story like Rapture #1 seems a bit daunting. While I enjoy X-O Manowar, I’m not that familiar with the other fascinating characters in Valiant’s stable. However, Rapture #1 by Matt Kindt is an excellent jumping on point for new readers while still offering something that longtime Valiant readers can sink their teeth into.

Rapture #1 focuses on four characters: Tama, Ninjak, Punk Mambo and Shadowman. Kindt gives each character a unique voice and the reason these characters come together is compelling. It’s definitely made want to check out some more stories featuring Shadowman and Punk Mambo.

Artist CAFU knocks it out of the park, making each location feel unique. You’ll feel the stench of death oozing out of the Deadside.

Rapture #1 is another excellent Valiant comic. This company continues to churn out hit after hit. If you’ve yet to get onboard with Valiant, Rapture #1 is your chance to do so. [Josh P. at TFAW.com]

Detective Comics #957 is something you don’t often see in today’s comic books: a standalone story. James Tynion IV presents us with a brief interlude between arcs with “The Wrath of Spoiler,” a story that follows Spoiler (obviously).

The story that Tynion IV tells here is one that is often talked about among creators: Does just the mere presence of Batman bring about crime? Would these villains exist if they didn’t have Batman to challenge them? Spoiler seeks to answer that question as she fights against an updated Wrath and Scorn, a team of villains who are looking to make a name for themselves.

The art by Carmen Carnero is refreshingly old-school in all the best ways and is some of the best art I think we’ve seen in Detective Comics yet.

The payoff for this story won’t happen for a few months, but the surprise reveal of a forgotten Batman villain in the last few panels will have the community talking. Don’t miss this issue! [Josh P. at TFAW.com]

Every year, Free Comic Book Day grows by leaps and bounds. What started as just a few comic companies giving out a handful of comics has transformed into over 15 companies and 50+ comics! With many stores implementing strict limits on just how many books you can pick up, you need to make every choice count.

Luckily, your friends at TFAW have come through with a list of the 10 comics you need to grab this Free Comic Book Day. Why 10? Because that just happens to be the number of comics we generously give at each of our retail locations.

If you’re a Portland, Oregon or Los Angeles, Calfornia resident and want to join in on our Free Comic Book Day festivities, check us out on Facebook (Milwaukie , Portland, Beaverton, Universal Citywalk) for all the info you could want about our Free Comic Book Day event, including signing schedules. If you aren’t local, keep an eye on our website as we’re going to offer a sale you won’t want to miss starting on May 6th. Plus every order placed on May 6th will recive a Free Comic Book Day comic at random! (While supplies last)

For our NCBD Reviews this week, we look at two Jeff Lemire books, and Valiant break out a must read #1 with X-O Manowar. Remember to check out all of this week’s new releases and take a look at our other blog articles so see our thoughts on other books. Be sure to comment or share our post on Facebook or Twitter if you like our articles!

SPOILER ALERT — We try to keep from posting spoilers, but one may sneak through to our reviews now and again. Read with caution, true believers.

One thing I hear daily around the office is that “You need to start reading Valiant, they are doing some amazing things.” I figure there is no better time to jump into the world of Valiant than with X-O Manowar #1, a book that kicks off a brand new story focused on Valiant’s top hero.

I was immediately blown away the minute I opened the book thanks to the art by Tomas Giorello. Luckily, the art is matched by a gripping story by the renowned Matt Kindt. Even though the last X-O Manowar story I read was in the ‘90s, Kindt makes it easy to follow the story even if you don’t know anything about X-O Manowar.

Aric, wanting to escape the warfare and carnage on Earth, has fled to another planet to live a peaceful life. However, he ends up conscripted by the local military force and is forced to fight once again. It’s a gritty, engaging tale that is a far cry from what I read in 1992 and it is fantastic.

Like all good comics, X-O Manowar #1 ends on a perfect cliffhanger with a moment that will make you pine for issue #2 the minute you see the panel. I know I’ll definitely put X-O Manowar on my pull list after this fantastic issue and start paying closer attention to Valiant in the future. [Josh P. at TFAW.com]

Did you read superhero comic when you were young? Remember all those Jack Kirby Cosmos adventures? Black Hammer will fit right in! This is one hell of a comic series. With crazy superheroes like Whiptara, and Colonel Weird, fighting the Anti-God. This is great throwback to a superhero era long gone. What really great about this series though is, it’s really more about characters and their lives then about defeating the bad guy by the end of the issue.

Jeff Lamire proves time and time again how amazing he is at character driven narratives. Along side him in Black Hammer is Dean Ormston doing a fantastic job at spinning the Jack Kirby style. Who can forget Dave Stewart’s colors? I know I’m saying this a lot but, the books screams Jack Kirby and I love it! [Martin M. at TFAW.com]

As you’d expect after the frantic action of Inhumans Vs. X-Men, Extraordinary X-Men #20 slows things down considerably. While there is some action, the X-Men themselves are never in any true danger and the action itself is just a means to tie up a loose end. Which is a lot of what this issue does: The comic ties up loose ends and provides a fitting conclusion to the team. It’s been rare in the last few years that we get to see the X-Men relax and enjoy themselves, and the last few pages of this comic put a smile on my face as they did just that.

The future for the X-Men is looking up – as Storm herself puts it, “it feels like the end of a chapter… a particularly dark chapter at that.” While Jeff Lemire did a fantastic job on Extraordinary X-Men and is is an excellent sendoff, it’s the future of mutant-kind that has me excited. While this book isn’t necessary reading for those planning on diving into the X-Books with Resurrxion, it serves as a great lead-in to X-Men Prime #1. [Josh P. at TFAW.com]

A lot of amazing books have come out in 2016. With Marvel revitalizing their line, DC’s Rebirth, to so many independent and creator-owned books dominating the stands, 2016 has certainly been a comic book year to remember.

With that in mind, the staff at TFAW took a look at sales numbers, fan buzz, and our personal favorites of the year to create a list of the 25 best comics of the year. Now we want you, our awesome customers, to vote on this list to decide definitively what the best books of 2016 are.

Voting will take place from Jan 1st through Jan 31st, so head on over to our Facebook page and cast your vote. Let your voices be heard and recognize all these amazing creators and publishers for all their hard work.

Superman Vol. 01 Son of Superman By: Peter J. Tomasi, Doug Mahnke, Patrick Gleason
The New 52 Superman is dead, but hiding among us for years was the original Big Blue. Now, a world without a Superman is in desperate need for Clark to leave the good life on the farm with Lois raising their son. This story simultaneously brings Superman back to formula, but also takes him in a direction he’s never really been before.

Bitch Planet Vol. 2: President Bitch By: Kelly Sue DeConnick, Valentine De Landro, Taki Soma
Powerful and gut-wrenching, Bitch Planet continues to explore themes of patriarchy and non-compliance. A must read for SJWs, feminists, and people who truly appreciate comics as an artistic medium.

Wonder Woman TPB Vol. 01 The Lies By: Greg Rucka, Liam Sharp, Matthew ClarkWonder Woman has been interpreted in many ways over her 75 year existence. Instead of trying to hide this, Greg Rucka’s approach is to embrace this to try and get to the real heart of who Wonder Woman is. Not just a great jumping on point for new readers, but a definitive take on the character that will hold true for years to come.

Black Hammer Vol 1: Secret Origins By: Jeff Lemire, Dean Ormston, Dave StewartBlack Hammer is another in a long line of grand ideas by one of comics brightest stars, Jeff Lemire. This book has a unique take on superheroes and the art by Dean Ormston & Dave Stewart instantly ensnares the reader.

Rough Riders Vol. 1 By: Adam Glass, Pat Oliffe
History in the making! Teddy Roosevelt, Jack Johnson, Annie Oakley, Harry Houdini and Thomas Edison make up an American dream team engaged in an epic shadowy war! Monsters and Mayhem folks!

The Mighty Thor Vol 1: Thunder in Her Veins By: Jason Aaron, Russell Dauterman
Marvel is changing things up by casting Dr. Jane Foster as the new Thor. The goddess of thunder shines in this series as she comes to grips with heroism and her own mortality. Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman are the perfect pairing. Also: Loki.

Divinity II By: Matt Kindt, Trevor Hairsine, Jelena Kevic Djurdjevic
After Abram came crashing home in Divinity vol 1. Spending his entire life in the depths of space, Divinity II tells the tale of Myshka. Still beliving in the Communist ideal. She intends to play a very real role in the return of Soviet glory

Old Man Logan Vol 1: Berserker By: Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino
What happens when an older, more gruff version of Wolverine comes to the main Marvel Universe? A whole lot of fighting. He’s on a mission to to prevent a terrible future from happening. Andrea Sorrentino’s art is breathtaking.

Detective Comics Vol. 01 Rise of the Batmen By: James Tynion IV, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, Alvaro Martinez, Raul Fernandez, Al Barrionuevo
Batman is notorious for being a lone wolf (bat?), but he’s always had his family behind him. Now it’s time to take the Bat-Family to the next level. Lead by Batwoman, Batman puts together a team of Red Robin, Orphan (Cassandra Cain), Spoiler, and Clayface to be ready for whatever threat comes Gotham’s way.

March Book 3 By: John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell
The third and final installment in civil rights activist John Lewis’ story in the battle for civil rights in the United States. 1963 was an incredibly turbulent time in America’s history, and John Lewis was not only in the middle of it, but a leader in getting us out of it, long before becoming a congressman. March will remind you there are real heroes in this world.

Paper Girls Vol. 2 By: Brian K. Vaughan, Cliff Chiang
Continuing where Vol. 1 left off, the misfit group of paper girls from 1988 find themselves transported to present day. Our main characters are forced to look at who they are, and who they may…or may not become. This superstar team continues to tell one of the craziest sci-fi stories currently on the shelves, while staying focused on the heart of any good story, the characters.

All New Wolverine Vol. 01 Four Sisters By: Tom Taylor, David Lopez, Bengal
With the death of Logan, clone daughter Laura Kinney (X-23) steps up to be Wolverine and the best she is at what she does. This book is bloody, emotional, hilarious, and beautiful. This is one of those unique books that can present adult subjects in a way that people of all ages can understand. Clone or not, All-New Wolverine definitely has soul.

Dept. H Vol. 1: Pressure By: Matt Kindt, Sharlene Kindt
Not your average murder mystery! An in depth(see what I did there) story taking place on a deep sea research station. Family, lies, secrets and creatures make for a spectacular, well-paced adventure.

Steven Universe & Crystal Gems Vol. 01 By: Josceline Fenton, Chrystin Garland, Kat Leyh
They are the Crystal Gems. They always save the day! If you think they can’t. Here is proof that they always find a way!

Monstress Vol. 1 By: Marjorie Liu, Sana Takeda
A fascinating look at an alternate 1900’s Asia where monsters of god-like power are normal. Witness the journey of one teenage girl struggling to survive while trying to tame her own MONSTER.

Black Panther Vol. 01 Nation Under Our Feet By: Ta-Nehisi Coates, Brian Stelfreeze
Wakanda under the microscope. On the brink of civil war, treason and terrorist attacks ensue in T’Challa’s homeland. Witness Black Panther fight to save his country from all fronts.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Vol. 01 By: Kyle Higgins, Jorge Corona, Goni Montes
“It’s Morphin Time!” This fantastic new series starts after the Green with Evil Saga. Takes us through a different path from the show, one that keeps it at the top of my reading every month. Perfect for fans new and old.

Saga Vol. 6 By: Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples
Set three years after the end of Vol. 5, our story opens with Hazel in kindergarten. For a story that’s followed a family on the run through space since issue 1, Vol 6 shows them living a domestic and stationary life for the first time…and it doesn’t go too well for them. Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples continue to be a dominating power tag team.

Sheriff Of Babylon Vol. 01 Bang Bang Bang By: Tom King, Mitch Gerads, John Paul Leon
Currently known for his fantastic work on Batman, Tom King and Mitch Gerad’s The Sherriff of Babylon, is a suspenseful crime noir tale set in Bagdad circa 2003. King’s CIA experience in addition to Gerad’s life-like art style gives this series the accolades it deserves.

Beauty Vol. 01 By: Jason Hurley, Jeremy Haun
The first STD that people actually WANT! In this world, The “Beauty”, transforms your body into its most beautiful version. People are literally dying to get it but the public is unaware of the side effects. Detectives Vaughn and Foster are on the case.

Faith Vol. 01 Hollywood & Vine By: Jody Houser, Francis Portela, Jele Kevic-Djurdjevic
Starting off as a side character in Harbinger back in 2014, we were given a full ongoing series of Faith Herbert this year. Written by the wonderful Jody Houser. This is a series meant for Fan-boys/girls, as Faith herself is as much of a geek as we are.

Gotham Academy Vol. 03 Yearbook By: Brenden Fletcher, Moritat, Mingjue Helen Chen
Our favorite students go back after their adventures last year, telling tales before everything went to chaos. Gotham Academy is an all-ages series perfectly suited for those wanting to move to Gotham, but are not old enough to drive there.

Legend of Zelda Legendary Ed GN Vol. 01 Ocarina Time By: Akira Himekawa
Viz does it again. While this is a reprint, if you’ve never read the Manga adaptation of the celebrated N64 game Ocarina of Time, this is a perfect time. Collecting vol 1 and 2, You get the complete tale.

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE BY THE 31ST

Honorable Mentions

2016 had so many amazing titles that it was nearly impossible for us to narrow it down to 25. With that in mind, here are some honorable mentions of books that you should definitely check out. Odds are they made your own personal top 25.

Batman Vol. 1 I Am Gotham By: Tom King, David Finch
Gotham City has two new heroes, Gotham and Gotham Girl. With these super powered saviors doing what Batman can’t, is he really what Gotham City needs anymore?

Dark Knight: A True Batman Story By: Paul Dini, Eduardo Risso
Legendary Batman writer, Paul Dini, was beaten within an inch of his life. This autobiographical tale shows just how these iconic characters like Batman can get us through the darkest of times.

Serenity: No Power in the ‘Verse By: Chris Roberson, Georges Jeanty, Karl Story, Wes Dzioba, Dan Dos Santos
Set after the events of the previous series, Leaves on the Wind, No Power in the ‘Verse continues the tale of our favorite Browncoats

I Am a Hero Omnibus Volume 1 By: Kengo Hazawa
A slightly crazy artist, and one of the few people in Japan that actually owns a gun, is neck deep in the zombie apocalypse.

Every week, we’re lucky to get a New Comic Book Day. With new titles, new arcs, and exciting continuations of ongoing stories, Wednesday is our favorite day. This week, Hulk starts over, the final arc of Life and Death begins, and Wonder Woman needs saving?!? Yep! As always these are only a few of the comics that came out this week. Check out our other blog articles so see our thoughts on other books. Be sure to comment or share our post on Facebook or Twitter if you like our articles!

SPOILER ALERT — We try to keep from posting spoilers, but one may sneak through to our reviews now and again. Read with caution, true believers.

This issue kicks off the final arc of Life and Death, which is a crossover story that spans Prometheus, Aliens, and Predator.

Aliens vs. Predator opens after the events of Aliens: Life and Death. The Colonial Marine ship Hasdurbal is under attack, and those on the surface of LV-223 are unaware of the danger there. What they do know however, is the threat of bugs is imminent. Xenomorphs are coming for them, and they may have to do the unthinkable to survive.

Dan Abnett‘s Life and Death has been an exciting adventure to read from the very beginning. I hope that these are not the end of the Aliens/Predator/AvP/Prometheus crossover stories. [Martin M. at TFAW.com]

With Wonder Woman not quite herself, it’s up to Steve Trevor, the one often being saved by Wonder Woman, to do what he can to save the person he loves. Steve, giving insight to his point of view on his relationship with our favorite Amazonian princess, narrates this entire issue. We also get to see his military and survival training put to the test as he tries to outthink and outlast their pursuers.

Greg Rucka continues to redefine Wonder Woman while giving the reader a deeper understanding of the character, and how her supporting characters work. Renato Guedes does a great job filling in for regular Liam Sharp, giving us a brilliantly paced book, which often times can be difficult with narration heavy stories.

Wonder Woman #13 does a great job building up a supporting character, and setting the stage for a new story arc you will not want to miss. [Mikey N. at TFAW.com]

I like to see the vulnerabilities in our heroes. The Flash is at his best when he’s up against the ropes. Iron Man excels when he’s forced to think (not punch) himself out of a situation.

Hulk #1 picks up after the events of Civil War II where she suffered greatly at the hands of one of Marvel’s strongest villains and experienced the loss of a loved one. Jennifer Walters is battling depression, self-doubt, and a rage that she cannot bottle up for much longer.

While we see hints of the Hulk bursting forth, this issue is about Jennifer and her experiences getting back to her normal life as a lawyer. Mariko Tamaki expertly handles Jennifer’s inner dialog (I went back through for a second reading to just read that) and sets up the tone for the series in this opening bow. Consider me hooked! [Josh C. at TFAW.com]